Symptoms of constipation

Constipation is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It can mean that you are not passing stools regularly, or you are unable to completely empty your bowels. A list of common symptoms of constipation appears below.

Evacuation of only small quantities of stool (like rabbit droppings)

Stool hardness

Needing to strain to achieve evacuation

Painful evacuation

The feeling that the bowel hasn’t completely evacuated

Flatulence

Swollen abdomen or abdominal pain

Constipation occurs when stool passes through the large intestine too slowly. When stool stays in the large intestine too long, the intestine removes too much water, and the stool becomes hard and dry. Constipation can also cause your stools to be lumpy, large or small.